Let’s get to know our camp directors! In part 1 of this series, meet Tammy Burgus.

J Sports Academy is only seven weeks out of the year; 35 action-packed days of training, making friends, and learning new skills. 35 days may not seem like a lot—and they sure do fly by—but they require 365 days of preparation.

Our J Sports Academy directors Jason Scheff and Tammy Burgus are in camp-mode all year round. From finding the best coaches, to planning and hosting fun events, to recruiting counselors and new campers, they pour their expertise and passion into making each summer the very best. 

Q: How did you get involved in J Sports Academy? 

Tammy: I was working at the Shames JCC as the director of our youth community service program, Generation Forward. When our CEO, Adam Weiss, invited staff to help build a brand-new sports camp from the ground up, I jumped at the opportunity. I’ve always believed that sports—and any team-based environment where young people are part of something bigger than themselves—are essential for developing a strong work ethic, focus, and a sense of purpose. Even if a child chooses not to pursue sports long-term, the experiences they gain, such as resilience, teamwork, leadership, and accountability, are life skills that stay with them and help them grow into successful, engaged members of their communities.

One of the most meaningful parts of this journey has been building J Sports Academy alongside my co-director Jason. He is deeply dedicated to making sure every child has an incredible experience every single day. Together, we made a deliberate choice to center the camp around three core values—sportsmanship, compassion, and coachability. Watching those values come to life has been one of the most rewarding parts of this work. It has been an incredible gift to be part of creating a camp that not only focuses on athletics but also builds community, tradition, and a safe, joyful space for kids to grow. 

Q: What makes you excited to come to work each day? 

Tammy: The opportunity to watch our campers grow —not just as athletes, but as confident, compassionate teammates. With nearly 20 years of experience directing camps, I’m constantly inspired by how J Sports Academy fosters individual growth through our core values. I also love mentoring our high school and college-age staff as they step into leadership roles, often for the first time. Helping them build strong relationships, take ownership, and thrive as a team is incredibly rewarding. Each day feels like a new chance to strengthen our camp community and welcome more people into the J Sports family. 

Q: What makes J Sports Academy different and special from other sports camps?

Tammy: Our intentional focus on individual growth both on and off the field differentiates us from other sports camps. While many camps offer sports and fun, we’ve built something deeper—a place where young athletes are seen, challenged, and supported in becoming confident teammates and leaders. Our values are woven into everything we do, creating a culture that celebrates effort, teamwork, and character just as much as skill. And just as importantly, our high school and college-age staff are given meaningful mentorship and support, growing into leaders themselves. J Sports is more than a summer camp; it’s a community where every athlete and every coach belongs and thrives.

Q: If you could have any professional athlete as a guest coach at J Sports Academy, who would it be and why? 

Tammy: Peyton Manning! He’s not only a Hall of Fame quarterback, but also a tremendous role model who lives out the values we teach at camp. Peyton has spoken often about how much his coaches shaped his development, not just as an athlete, but as a person. He was always open to feedback, showed deep compassion for his teammates and his community, and was universally respected across the league for his sportsmanship. Our campers would learn from him that success is about more than just talent; it’s about being a great teammate, a leader, and someone who uplifts the people around them.